Tillamook Community » summerhttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog
Just another WordPress siteWed, 25 Mar 2015 20:00:55 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.1Mini Berry Ice Cream Cakeshttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/mini-berry-ice-cream-cakes/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/mini-berry-ice-cream-cakes/#commentsFri, 18 Jul 2014 22:00:24 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=19217Turning on the oven is the last thing that I ever want to do in July, so when I discover a way to serve dessert without baking, I’m all about it! This mini raspberry ice cream cake recipe couldn’t be tastier, but the best part is how easy it is to customize the recipe. I […]

]]>Turning on the oven is the last thing that I ever want to do in July, so when I discover a way to serve dessert without baking, I’m all about it! This mini raspberry ice cream cake recipe couldn’t be tastier, but the best part is how easy it is to customize the recipe. I used several different berry flavors of Tillamook Ice Cream and added in some fresh Oregon berries and chocolate sauce. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try with chocolate flavors and fresh fruit next – anything for more Tillamook Mudslide!

Preparation
1. Line two mini loaf pans (we used 5 ¾ inch by 2 inch) with parchment paper, leaving at least one inch of parchment hanging over the top of each side.

2. Start by putting ½ cup of Tillamook Oregon Strawberry Ice Cream at the bottom of each loaf pan, and smooth it out. Keep in mind that it works best to use ice cream that is slightly softened, but not completely melted.

3. Add a layer of raspberries to each pan, then freeze to set for at least 30 minutes. Next, add a layer of Tillamook Oregon Blueberry Ice Cream, and top it with a layer of blueberries and then a layer of fudge sauce. Freeze to set for another 30 minutes.

5. When ready to serve, run a knife along the edges of the pan if necessary to loosen the ice cream, them use the parchment to carefully pull the cake out of the pan. Serve with additional fudge sauce and berries!

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/mini-berry-ice-cream-cakes/feed/0Fresh from the Farmers’ Market: Grilled Peaches a la Modehttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/fresh-farmers-market-grilled-peaches-la-mode/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/fresh-farmers-market-grilled-peaches-la-mode/#commentsFri, 11 Jul 2014 19:00:12 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=19171If you’ve been browsing the fruit aisle the last two weeks, you’ve probably noticed the arrival of one of the juiciest and sweetest summer fruits – that’s right, it’s peach season! Whether you bake them, add them to fruit salad, blend them into a smoothie, or just dig your teeth in for a bite, peaches […]

]]>If you’ve been browsing the fruit aisle the last two weeks, you’ve probably noticed the arrival of one of the juiciest and sweetest summer fruits – that’s right, it’s peach season! Whether you bake them, add them to fruit salad, blend them into a smoothie, or just dig your teeth in for a bite, peaches are delicious no matter how you eat them. In the spirit of spending as much time outside during the summer, I decided to take my latest haul from the farmers’ market straight to the grill to serve grilled peaches and ice cream. Grilling peaches brings out their natural juiciness and intensifies their sweetness. For extra flavor, add a drizzle of honey and/or balsamic reduction and a few basil leaves. Fresh basil has a borderline sweet flavor, but is savory enough to balance the sweet grilled peaches perfectly. So pick up some fresh summer peaches and basil next time you’re at the farmers’ market and delight your taste buds with a bowl of grilled peaches and ice cream.Grilled Peaches a la ModeYield: 4 servings

2. Fire up the grill to medium heat. I recommend grilling your peaches in a grill pan or cast iron skillet if you have one handy, but straight on the grill will work fine too. Lightly oil the grill grate with cooking spray, or if you’re using a cast iron or grill pan, use Tillamook Butter.
3. Place your peach slices onto the grill and cook for about 3 minutes, then flip over using a spatula or delicately using tongs (your peaches will be tender, so if you flip too aggressively, they may fall apart), and cook for another three minutes.

4. Once the flesh of your peaches shows signs of caramelization (grill marks), remove from the grill and set aside to cool for two minutes. You don’t want them to cool completely, but putting them directly on your ice cream will melt it too fast.

5. Place a scoop or two of Tillamook Ice Cream into four bowls and place two peach slices on top. Dress with balsamic reduction (recipe below) or drizzle with some local honey and add a few fresh basil leaves. Enjoy immediately!Balsamic ReductionYield: ¼ cup

Ingredients½ cup balsamic vinegar

Preparation1. Place the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until the vinegar has reduced by about a half (about 20 minutes). If you see your sauce thicken and smell strong balsamic in the air, you’re doing it right. If you want a thicker sauce, you may continue to heat while stirring until you have about ¼ cup.

2. As soon as you have the consistency you’d like, remove the pan from heat and let it cool before spooning over your ice cream.

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/fresh-farmers-market-grilled-peaches-la-mode/feed/0Fresh from the Farmers’ Market: Garlic Cheddar Basil Pestohttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/fresh-farmers-market-garlic-cheddar-basil-pesto/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/fresh-farmers-market-garlic-cheddar-basil-pesto/#commentsFri, 27 Jun 2014 16:30:41 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=19112Basil is one of my all-time favorite herbs. During the summer months, basil is abundant in farmers’ markets from Portland, Oregon all the way to Portland, Maine! I picked up some fresh basil at the Portland (Oregon!) Farmers’ Market last weekend and whipped up some pesto that’s the perfect complement to summery dishes like grilled […]

]]>Basil is one of my all-time favorite herbs. During the summer months, basil is abundant in farmers’ markets from Portland, Oregon all the way to Portland, Maine! I picked up some fresh basil at the Portland (Oregon!) Farmers’ Market last weekend and whipped up some pesto that’s the perfect complement to summery dishes like grilled zucchini or pasta salad. This recipe uses Tillamook Garlic White Cheddar for an extra creamy texture and garlicky taste. If you can’t find Garlic White Cheddar close to home, Tillamook Shredded 2 Cheese Italian Blend is a great substitute!

PreparationCombine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined into a paste, pausing occasionally to scrape the sides with a rubber spatula. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Serving tip: Hosting a party? Show off your fresh pesto as a summery appetizer for your guests. Spread a teaspoon of pesto on top of 34 Degree Crisps. Add a small slice of Tillamook Swiss Cheese and a slice of a cherry or grape tomato. If you want to go above and beyond, toast lightly in a toaster oven or conventional oven until the cheese melts!

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/fresh-farmers-market-garlic-cheddar-basil-pesto/feed/0Affogato Recipehttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/affogato-recipe/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/affogato-recipe/#commentsThu, 26 Jun 2014 17:00:12 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=19107This Italian treat combines two of my favorite food groups–coffee and ice cream! It’s the perfect summertime dessert, combining a kick of caffeine with cool and creamy Tillamook Ice Cream. The affotago recipe is as simple as a shot of espresso poured over a scoop or two of ice cream. Don’t have an espresso maker? […]

]]>This Italian treat combines two of my favorite food groups–coffee and ice cream! It’s the perfect summertime dessert, combining a kick of caffeine with cool and creamy Tillamook Ice Cream. The affotago recipe is as simple as a shot of espresso poured over a scoop or two of ice cream. Don’t have an espresso maker? Don’t panic! Just brew your coffee extra strong and pour only a small amount over your ice cream.

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/affogato-recipe/feed/1Have a Summer Soireehttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/summer-soiree/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/summer-soiree/#commentsMon, 23 Jun 2014 15:00:04 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=19096The sun has arrived, which means it’s time to move from your dining room to your backyard. Don’t feel prepared? Fear not, entertaining in your backyard can be fun, delicious, and simple (really!). Whatever the summertime party you’re hosting, we have a host of tips, themes, and treats to get you through the day. How […]

]]>The sun has arrived, which means it’s time to move from your dining room to your backyard. Don’t feel prepared? Fear not, entertaining in your backyard can be fun, delicious, and simple (really!). Whatever the summertime party you’re hosting, we have a host of tips, themes, and treats to get you through the day.How to host a Dad & Grad Party
Take the stress out of having lots of people in and out of your house by creating the perfect environment. Create stations to put your guests in control of their experience and their appetite. Everyone wins!How to Host: A Summer Tea Party
Take a step back in time by hosting a fancy tea party for all of your friends! Dress up, serve dainty food, play games, and most of all have fun! This is a party your friends will be talking about for years.How to Host: A Pool Party
Did a super-hot day sneak up on you? Call your friends together and jump in the pool! You may be surprised that some simple items from around the house can make hosting a breeze and ensure that no one goes hungry (just make sure not to jump in the pool right after eating!).Hosting to Host: A Summer Picnic
Spend some relaxing time outside in a park! These tips will help you make sure that everyone is comfortable, their appetites are satisfied, everyone has fun, and even make sure everyone gets home safely!How to Host: A Bonfire Cookout
Having a bonfire in your backyard automatically makes it the living room of the backyard. Light it up and everyone gathers around. Next time people gather around in your backyard make a party of it with these tips for how to prepare, what to make, and how to enjoy the night with a bonfire cookout.How to Host: An Outdoor 4th of July Brunch
Let your patriotism start bright an early this year by hosting a 4th of July brunch for your family and friends! You beat the heat, and there’s still lots of red, white, and blue involved. These 7 ideas will perfect your all-American outdoor brunch.

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/summer-soiree/feed/9How to Host: A Bonfire Cookouthttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-bonfire-cookout/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-bonfire-cookout/#commentsWed, 18 Jun 2014 16:30:36 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=19071The warm weather has arrived, but I can’t truly declare it summer until the fire pit has been christened for the season. Sitting around a fire at night with friends is one of my all-time favorite activities of the summer. Good company and delicious food – what else could I ask for? It’s a perfect […]

]]>The warm weather has arrived, but I can’t truly declare it summer until the fire pit has been christened for the season. Sitting around a fire at night with friends is one of my all-time favorite activities of the summer. Good company and delicious food – what else could I ask for? It’s a perfect summer night and a wonderful party idea. Here are some bonfire cookout ideas to help you welcome the long summer nights and have a party outdoors.

Tips, Tricks and Snacks

Safety First – The first thing to think about before hosting a bonfire cookout is making sure that you’re being safe. Make sure to follow the appropriate regulations where you live. After that, make sure your fire is contained in a place that won’t allow it to spread anywhere you don’t want it to. It’s also a good idea to have a water source close by in case you need to put the flames out quickly.

Have a Designated Fire Master – We all have them, the friend that LOVES building the fire and won’t let anyone else touch it. This is the perfect time to invite them over and make them in charge of keeping the fire going and the coals warm. Having toasty coals in place throughout the night is key to having a fun night and roasting your food!

Tools – Besides having wood and kindling ready, there are a few other tools that could come in handy for a cookout. Having long, campfire skewers are great for putting food on and being able to reach it into the hottest part of the fire. And if you do need to get closer to the fire for any reason, there’s even special mitts to keep your hand safe from the heat.

Bites – Need inspiration for what food to serve? No problem. Here are some cookout ideas to get you started (really, this is just the tip of the iceberg):

• Dogs: I know hot dogs are the first thing that come to mind, but there’s a good reason for it, they are a convenient main dish to serve at a bonfire cookout. Keep up the tradition by having an assortment of dogs ready for your guests. My favorite way to eat them is warming up a bun with cheese on it by the edge of the fire while I am roasting my hotdog, and putting some onions and mustard on top.

• Campfire nachos: Really, this is a thing. Layer all your favorite nacho ingredients into a cast iron and throw it over the fire until it’s all melty and delicious. Covering the cast iron with foil will help it melt evenly. Utensils may be required!

• Corn: Wrap a piece of corn in foil and find a nice hot place to let it cook in the fire. When you take it out, be ready to throw some Tillamook Butter on it for the most tasty ear of corn you’ll ever have.

Be Ready for Weather – Even though you’ll be around a fire, you may want to have some blankets ready just in case someone dresses a little too light for the night. The worst thing is to have uncomfortable guests at a party. Have some blankets you don’t mind going outdoors ready just in case anyone gets a little chilly.

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-bonfire-cookout/feed/0Summer Camp Tips You May Not Have Curdhttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/summer-camp-tips-may-curd/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/summer-camp-tips-may-curd/#commentsTue, 17 Jun 2014 16:30:48 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=19065With school out for the summer, it’s time to send the kids off to summer camp! If you’re anything like me, the closest thing to summer camp you’ve experienced in the last decade was watching Moonrise Kingdom. But don’t panic, I’ve done some serious thinking and have come up with 10 essentials to help you help […]

]]>With school out for the summer, it’s time to send the kids off to summer camp! If you’re anything like me, the closest thing to summer camp you’ve experienced in the last decade was watching Moonrise Kingdom. But don’t panic, I’ve done some serious thinking and have come up with 10 essentials to help you help your Tillakid prep for their week(s) at camp!

5 Must-Pack Items
1. A pair of binoculars for bird watching–remind them to keep an eye out for the elusive curds of prey.

2. A Swiss army knife. Cheddar safe than sorry with this one–you never know when it will come in handy! Not recommended for young children. Also, make sure to review your kid’s camp rules before sending them with a pocket knife of any kind!

3. A journal. Remember these from the days before keyboards, smartphones, and Siri? A journal will come in handy if your youngster ends up with some time Provolone; encourage them to take note of what they’ve been doing at camp to look back on in a decade…or at least brush up on their handwriting.

5. A harmonica. Small in size, but packs some serious social street cred. Scientific fact: everyone wants to be friends with the kid with the harmonica.

5 Pre-Camp Pep-Talk To-Dos1. Mentally prepare them for the new connections and friends they’ll meet and inevitably grow fondue of.

2. Fire up their can-do attitude and help them Muenster up the courage to try new things. Remind them that Candy Crush will still be there after camp.

3. Review this safety video with them, in case they get into a grizzly situation.

4. Assist them in memorizing the lyrics to some favorite songs for campfire sing-alongs. Stumped? They curd not possibly go wrong with some cheesy Beatles classics, like “Hey Food”, “I Wanna Hold Your Tillabar”, “I am the Waffles”, “Oregon Strawberry Fields Forever”, and of course the classic “All You Need Is Loaf”.

5. Help them get to know their limits. You don’t want them to be the camper who eats one too many s’mores and winds up with a massive sugar crash. I suggest practicing with a few scoops of Fireside S’mores Ice Cream every night before camp. I have a feeling they’re not going to disagree with this one. ; )

P.S. Kids, don’t panic if you don’t remember how to throw a boomerang – it’ll come back to you!

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/summer-camp-tips-may-curd/feed/0How to Host: A Summer Picnichttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-summer-picnic/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-summer-picnic/#commentsThu, 12 Jun 2014 16:30:19 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=18942In the summer, I love spending as much time as I can outside. Evening picnics are a great way to spend some relaxing time outside, and an easy way to get a group of friends together. Whether it’s for a movie in the park, a concert at the zoo, or holiday fireworks show, summertime offers […]

]]>In the summer, I love spending as much time as I can outside. Evening picnics are a great way to spend some relaxing time outside, and an easy way to get a group of friends together. Whether it’s for a movie in the park, a concert at the zoo, or holiday fireworks show, summertime offers no shortage of picnic friendly occasions. Here are some tips and tricks to help you host your next picnic.

Tips, Tricks and Snacks:• The most important thing to remember is to keep the menu casual. Imagine yourself in blue jeans and sneakers, and think about what would be easy to eat sitting on your picnic blanket. Is it a fancy five course meal? Probably not. Think of your picnic menu like the school lunch you pack for your kids, only the deluxe version. ; )

• Bring a blanket for you and your guests to sit on. If there’s a chance the lawn could be damp, pack a tarp to layer between the grass and your blanket. Blankets with a nylon layer on one side and a soft cotton or fleece layer on the other are pretty easy to find, and perfect for a picnic. If you’ve got a large group, ask your friends to bring along a blanket as well. It’s better to have too many spots to sit than not enough.
• Sandwiches. These handheld chameleons of the food world are the perfect picnic star. You can prep them ahead of time, so they’re ready to eat the moment you open your picnic basket. The possibilities are endless with sandwich toppings, but make sure to prep something special if you have a gluten-free or vegetarian eater in the group. If you’ve got a larger group, I recommend prepping three different sandwich options and allowing your guests to choose their sandwich. You can wrap them in parchment paper and label with a permanent marker.

• Fresh fruit and veggies. Before your picnic, head to your local Farmers’ Market and stock up on some colorful goodies for the group. Fresh produce is refreshing to nibble on throughout your picnic and will add a nice pop of color to your spread.
• Crackers, chips, or pretzels. Chips and salsa are usually my go-to picnic food. Again, depending on the size of your group, it’s nice to pack a variety of snack options so there’s something for everyone. You can throw in some cheese or dips too! I like to bring Tilla-Moos because they don’t require a knife.

• Don’t forget to pack a sweet treat! Cookies, brownies, lemon bars…the list goes on and on. Try to bake (or buy) treats that are small enough to eat in one bite to minimize crumbs (plus it means you can eat more of them)! Also keep in mind how you’re going to transport your dessert with ease to the picnic. Something delicate like a cupcake might not be the best option, but a bag of cookies is easy to throw in the picnic basket!

• Depending on where your picnic will take place, bringing along some wine or beer may be an option. If you’re thinking about bringing some festive drinks to your picnic, be sure to check with your park or venue’s rules first!

• Fill plastic zip-lock bags with ice to use to chill the food on the way, then use as ice for your drinks when you get there.

• Be sure to pack a few easy activities for the picnic too! I always throw in a deck of cards and a Frisbee or soccer ball to pass around. I always like to throw a few glow sticks in the basket too! They’re a fun surprise to share with the kids, and they’ll help you find them in the crowd once the sun begins to set.• Always pack a few wet wipes or paper towels and a trash bag to help with cleanup at the end of your picnic.

• If your evening is going to carry into the night past sunset, remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp to light your area as you pack up. The last thing you want to do is forget your wallet or keys on the lawn.

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-summer-picnic/feed/0How to Host: A Pool Partyhttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-pool-party/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-pool-party/#commentsTue, 10 Jun 2014 16:30:21 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=18798Pool parties are a quintessential part of summertime and should be easy and stress-free to host. Unexpected scorching Sunday!? Call up your friends, throw together some treats and slip on your sunglasses. These tips will help your party make a splash, without throwing you off the high-dive. Tips, Tricks and Snacks • Use pool and […]

]]>Pool parties are a quintessential part of summertime and should be easy and stress-free to host. Unexpected scorching Sunday!? Call up your friends, throw together some treats and slip on your sunglasses. These tips will help your party make a splash, without throwing you off the high-dive.

Tips, Tricks and Snacks

• Use pool and beach accessories you’ve already got around the house to decorate (or head to the store and grab a few – they’re usually just a dollar or two). I love the idea of using a beach towel as a table cloth! It’ll also make clean up a breeze once the party is over.• Serve snack foodsand treats that can be eaten in just one bite–pool parties are about swimming, so don’t feel pressured to provide elaborate meals. Something a single hand can grab and nibble during a break between cannonballs should do the trick. I suggest pretzel rods, small cookies, and fruit and veggies. But remember to wait half an hour before jumping back into the water.
• Keep perishable snacks like Tilla-moos cool by serving them in an iced bucket. Fill a sand pail with ice and place a smaller bowl on top of the ice. With an individually wrapped package like Tilla-moos, you could also place them directly in an ice bucket without having to worry.

• Have extra sunscreen on hand and ready to share. While your guests may think to apply some before heading over, many will likely forget to bring more to reapply later. It’s so important to apply and reapply some SPF during a day outside (even if it’s overcast!)
• If you’re thinking about serving some Tillamook Ice Cream, delight your fans with some tasty “sand” topping! Crush chocolate cream cookies and some vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor or blender. Serve in a sand pail with a shovel. Looks like sand, but tastes a thousand times better. Extra points if you throw in some candy fish or worms too!

• Remember, pool parties aren’t supposed to be elaborate. Relax, enjoy your company, and have a little fun in the sun yourself!

]]>http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/host-pool-party/feed/2Farmstyle Greek Yogurt Chicken Saladhttp://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/farmstyle-greek-yogurt-chicken-salad/
http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/farmstyle-greek-yogurt-chicken-salad/#commentsFri, 30 May 2014 16:30:53 +0000http://www.tillamook.com/community/blog/?p=18416This chicken salad made with Farmstyle Greek Yogurt has so much to offer, its flavors and textures are sure to wow. I like to go all in, packing in as much fruit and nutty crunch as possible. Feel free to adapt the recipe based on the ingredients you’ve got around the house. It’s a great […]

]]>This chicken salad made with Farmstyle Greek Yogurthas so much to offer, its flavors and textures are sure to wow. I like to go all in, packing in as much fruit and nutty crunch as possible. Feel free to adapt the recipe based on the ingredients you’ve got around the house. It’s a great way to put some leftover grilled chicken to good use. Because it’s refrigerated, it’s also a perfect lunch to cool off with when the sun is high in the sky.

Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir with a spatula until completely combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to three days before eating. I suggest serving on a bed of lettuce or a toasted ciabatta or torta bread.

This recipe makes about 4 servings. I like to make it early on in the week so I have lunch ready to go for the next few days. : ) Enjoy!